Inner Race and Boot Sleeve

ABSTRACT

An inner race and boot sleeve combination is provided. The inner race has an inner surface with a groove formed therein. The boot sleeve has a groove in an outer surface. A ring is located in both grooves to axially secure the inner race and boot sleeve together. Devices to prevent relatively rotation between the inner race and the boot sleeve are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/678,792 filed on Nov. 16, 2012, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety. The present application is being filed duringthe pendency of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/678,792.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An inner race and boot sleeve for a constant velocity joint.

BACKGROUND

Constant velocity joints comprise an inner race that is connected to apinion shaft. Methods and structures to connect the inner race to thepinion shaft vary. The connection must prevent, or reduce, relativeaxial movement and it must prevent, or reduce, relative rotationalmovement. The prior art designs to connect the inner race and pinionshaft are complex, expensive and/or fail to adequately reduce, orprevent, relative axial and/or rotational movement. A simple,inexpensive inner race and pinion connection is needed.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an inner race is provided having an inner surfacewith an elliptical cross section and an elliptical groove formed in saidsurface. A boot sleeve is provided having an outer surface, a first endportion and a second threaded end portion. The first end portion has anelliptical cross section complimentary to the inner race ellipticalcross section. The first end portion also has a circumferential groove.A ring is located in the inner race groove and the boot sleeve groove toaxially fix the inner race and the boot sleeve together.

In another embodiment, an inner race has an inner surface with a roundcircumference and a keyway partially extending into the circumference. Aboot sleeve has an outer surface, a first end portion with acircumferential groove and a second threaded end portion. A key islocated on the boot sleeve outer surface. The key has a groove thereinand the key is located in the keyway. A ring is located in the innerrace groove, the boot sleeve groove and the key groove.

In yet another embodiment an inner race has an inner surface with around circumference and at least one axially extending slot in thecircumference. A boot sleeve has an outer surface, a first end portionwith a circumferential groove, at least one axially extending prong anda threaded second end portion. The at least one prong is located in theinner race slot. A ring is located in the inner race groove and the bootsleeve groove to axially fix the inner race and the boot sleevetogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description when considered in the light of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional assembly view of a constant velocity jointcontaining the features of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an end view of an inner race of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a sectional side view of the inner race of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an end view of a boot sleeve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D is side view of the boot sleeve of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional assembly view of a boot sleeve and innerrace according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is an end view of an inner race from FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of the inner race of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an end view of a boot sleeve from FIG. 3;

FIG. 3D is a side view of the boot sleeve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3E is a side and end view of a key of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional assembly view of a boot sleeve and innerrace according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is an end view of an inner race of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the inner race of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a boot sleeve from FIG. 4; and

FIG. 4D is a side view of the boot sleeve of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless theclaims expressly state otherwise.

Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a constant velocity joint 10utilizing the present invention is depicted. The constant velocity joint10 comprises an inner race 12, an outer race 14, a cage 16, and aplurality of balls 18. A drive shaft tube 20 is 1.0 connected to anouter surface 22 of the outer race 14. A boot 24 may be located betweenan inner surface 26 of the outer race 14 and a boot sleeve 28 to keepdebris and moisture out and lubricant in the joint 10. A can 30 may belocated opposite the boot 24 for the same reasons.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A-D, one embodiment of the inner race 12and the boot sleeve 28 are depicted. The inner race 12 has an innersurface 32, an outer surface 34, a first end portion 36 and a second endportion 38, all of which are unitary with one another.

The inner surface 32 is defined by a plurality of surfaces. Beginningfrom the first end portion 36, a first inner surface 40 is provided. Thefirst inner surface 40 has a first inner surface diameter 42 and it isround in cross-section. A set of splines 44 may be located on the firstinner surface 40 and extend in the axial direction. The first innersurface 40 is directly adjacent and transitions to a second innersurface 46.

The second inner surface 46 has an elliptical shape as best seen in FIG.2A. As an ellipse, the second inner surface 46 has a major diameter 48and minor diameter 50. The major diameter 48 is oriented transverse to arotational axis 52 of the joint 10. The major diameter 48 is greaterthan the first inner surface diameter 42, and the minor diameter 50.

The second inner surface 46 has a continuous groove 54 defined therein.The groove 54 may be located approximately midway between the firstinner surface 40 and the second end portion 38. The groove 54 also has aelliptical shape that follows the elliptical shape of the second innersurface 46.

The outer surface 34 of the inner race 12 is defined by a plurality ofgrooves 56.

Each groove 56 receives one ball 18. The balls 18 are maintained in thecage 16, as shown in FIG. 1. The balls 18 are also received withingrooves 56 in the inner surface 26 of the outer race 14. The balls 18permit angular differences between the inner race 12 and outer race 14,and transmit rotational torque from the inner race 12 to the outer race14.

The boot sleeve 28 has first and second end portions 58, 60. The firstend portion 58 comprises a continuous groove 62 on an outer surface 64.More particularly, the first end portion 58 preferably has a first landarea 66, the groove 62, a second land area 68 and then a stop 70, inthat order from the first end portion 58 inwardly. The portions 58, 60,the groove 62 and the stop 70 are integrally formed and unitary with thesleeve 28.

The stop 70 is preferably continuous, but it need not be. As shown inFIG. 2D, the stop 70 is angled with respect to the outer surface 64. Asshown in the depicted embodiment, the stop 70 may be angledsubstantially transverse to the joint axis 52. A land area 78 separatesthe threads 72 and the stop 70.

The second end portion 60 comprises a plurality of threads 72 integrallyformed and unitary with the sleeve 28. A sleeve nut 74A, as shown inFIG. 1, may be engaged with the threads 72 of the second end portion 60.The sleeve nut 74A may be secured to a pinion shaft 76. The connectionmaybe made such as by a circlip and/or a threaded connection; otherconnections are permissible.

The first end portion 58 of the boot sleeve 28 has an elliptical shapethat is complimentary to the elliptical shape of the second innersurface 46 of the inner race 12. The boot sleeve 28 is shaped anddimensioned to fit within the inner race 12. More particularly, theelliptical shapes of the inner race 12 and the boot sleeve 28 arealigned with one another, the inner race 12 is located within the bootsleeve 28 and their complimentary shapes prevent them from rotatingrelative to one another.

A ring 80, such as a snap ring, is located in the boot sleeve groove 62and the inner race groove 54, as shown in FIG. 1. The ring 80 is sizedto simultaneously extend into both the boot sleeve groove 62 and thegroove 54 of the inner race 12. The ring 80 prevents, or reduces, axialmovement between the inner race 12 and the boot sleeve 28.

The pinion shaft 76 may be located within a hollow interior portion 82of the boot sleeve 28. As shown in FIG. 1, the pinion shaft 76 extendsentirely through the boot sleeve 28. The pinion shaft may extend beyondthe boot sleeve 28 and into a cavity 84 of the inner race 12 where itengages the splines 44 (FIG. 2B). The pinion shaft 76 also extendsthrough the opposite end of the boot sleeve 28. The pinion shaft 76receives rotation from a source of rotational movement, such as avehicle powertrain. A possible connection between the pinion shaft 76and the boot sleeve 28 is described above so that the two rotatetogether.

FIGS. 3 and 3A-3E depicts another embodiment of an inner race 86 andboot s sleeve 88. The inner race 86 has an inner surface 90, an outersurface 92, a first end portion 94 and a second end portion 96.

The inner surface 90 is defined by a plurality of surfaces. Beginningfrom the first end portion 94, a first inner surface 98 is provided. Thefirst inner surface 98 has a first inner surface diameter 100 and iscircular in cross-section. The first inner surface 98 may have a set ofsplines 102. The first inner surface 98 is directly adjacent andtransitions to a second inner surface 104. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3B,the first inner surface 98 is axially offset from the second innersurface 104.

The second inner surface 104 has a second inner surface diameter 106 andis circular, as best seen in FIG. 3A. The second inner surface diameter106 is larger than the first inner surface diameter 100. The secondinner surface 104 has a continuous, circumferential groove 108 definedtherein. The groove 108 may be located approximately midway between thefirst inner surface 98 and the second end portion 96. The groove 108follows the second inner surface 104 and is also therefore circular.

The second inner surface 104 also has a keyway 110. The keyway 110extends axially approximately the length of the second inner surface104. The keyway 110 may be of any cross-sectional shape, but as bestseen in FIG. 3A, the keyway 110 preferably has a round cross-section.The keyway 110 is integrally and unitarily formed with the inner race86. The keyway 110 is positioned such that it forms part of the secondinner surface 104; the remainder of the keyway 110 is radially outwardfrom the second inner surface 104 in the body of the inner race 86.

A cylindrical key 112 is provided. The key 112 may be hollow or solid.The key 112 has a complementary outer diameter 114 that is approximatelythe same as an inner diameter 116 of the keyway 110, or slightly less.

The length of the key 112 is equal to or approximately the same as thelength of the keyway 110. When the key 112 is located in the keyway 110,the key 112 fits entirely therein.

The key 112 has a groove 118 extending substantially perpendicularly tothe joint axis 52. The key groove 118 is axially aligned with the innerrace inner surface groove 108 when the key 112 is positioned on the bootsleeve 88.

The outer surface 92 of the inner race 86 is defined by a plurality ofgrooves. Each groove 120 receives one ball 122. The balls 122 aremaintained in a cage, which is not shown but can be appreciated fromFIG. 1. The balls 122 are also received within grooves in the innersurface of the outer race, which can also be appreciated from FIG. 1.The balls 122 permit angular differences between the inner race 86 andouter race, and transmit rotational torque from the inner race 86 to theouter race.

The boot sleeve 88 has first and second end portions 124, 126. The firstend portion 124 comprises a continuous, circumferential groove 128through an outer surface 130. More particularly, the first end portion124 has a first land area 132, the groove 128, a second land area 134and then a stop 136. The portions 124, 126, the groove 128 and the stop136 may be integrally formed and unitary with the sleeve 88. The stop136 may be such as stop 70 described above.

The second end portion 126 comprises a plurality of threads 138integrally formed and unitary with the sleeve 88. As similarly depictedin FIG. 1, a nut may be engaged with the threads 138 of the second endportion 126 and also with the threads on a pinion shaft to connect thenut and the pinion shaft together. The nut may also be connected to aretaining ring. The pinion shaft is also therefore connected to theinner race 86 through the nut. A land area 140 separates the threads 138and the stop 136.

The first end portion 124 has a round cross-section that iscomplimentary to the round cross-section of the second inner surface 104of the inner race 86.

A ring 142, such as a snap ring, is located in the boot sleeve groove128 and the inner race groove 108. The ring 142 is sized tosimultaneously extend into both the boot sleeve groove 128 and thegroove 108 of the inner race 86. The ring 142 prevents, or reduces,axial movement between the inner race 86 and the boot sleeve 88.

The ring 142 is installed over the key 112 to selectively secure it tothe outer surface 130 of the boot sleeve 88. The ring 142, key 112 andboot sleeve 88 are located into the inner race 86 and adjacent thesecond inner surface 104 of the inner race 86. The key 112, fixed to theboot sleeve 88 and located within the keyway 110, prevents relativerotational movement between the boot sleeve 88 and the inner race 86.

The key 112 may be selectively secured to the boot sleeve 88, asdescribed above, or it may be unitary and integrally formed with theboot sleeve 88.

A pinion shaft may be located within a hollow interior portion 144 ofthe boot sleeve 88, such as described above and depicted in FIG. 1. Thepinion shaft receives rotation from a source of rotational movement,such as a vehicle powertrain.

FIGS. 4 and 4A-C depict another embodiment of an inner race 146 and bootsleeve 148. The inner race 146 has an inner surface 150, an outersurface 152, a first end portion 154 and a second end portion 156.

The inner surface 150 is defined by a plurality of surfaces. Beginningfrom the first end portion 154, a first inner surface 158 is provided.The first inner surface 158 has a first inner surface diameter 160. Aset of splines 162 may be located on the first inner surface 158 andextend in the axial direction and may be circular in cross-section. Thefirst inner surface 158 is directly adjacent and transitions to a secondinner surface 164.

The second inner surface 164 has a second inner surface diameter 166 andis circular as seen in FIG. 4A. The second inner surface diameter 166 islarger than the first inner surface diameter 160. The second innersurface 164 has a continuous, circumferential groove 168 definedtherein. The groove 168 may be located approximately midway between thefirst inner surface 158 and the second end portion 156. The groove 168follows the second inner surface 164. The groove 168 also therefore hasa round shape.

The inner surface 150 has at least one slot 170. The at least one slot170 extends axially along the first and second inner surfaces 158, 164and perpendicular to the groove 168. The at least one slot 170 extendssubstantially the length of the inner race 146. The at least one slot170 may have any cross section, such as square. The at least one slot170 is integrally and unitarily formed with the inner race 146 and maybelocated anywhere on the inner surface 150.

In the preferred embodiment, there are two slots 170. The slots 170 maybe located at any circumferential distance with respect to one another.As can be appreciated from FIG. 4A, the slots 170 may be locatedequidistant from one another.

The outer surface 152 of the inner race 146 is defined by a plurality ofgrooves 174. Each groove 172 receives one ball. The balls 174 aremaintained in a cage, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The balls174 are also received within grooves in the inner surface of the outerrace, which can also be appreciated from FIG. 1. The balls 172 permitangular differences between the inner race 146 and outer race, andtransmit rotational torque from the inner race 146 to the outer race.

The boot sleeve 148 has first and second end portions 176, 178. Thefirst end portion 176 comprises a continuous, circumferential groove 180on an outer surface. More particularly, the first end portion 176 has afirst land area 184, the groove 180, a second land area 186 and then astop 188. The portions 176, 178, the groove 180 and the stop 188 may beintegrally formed and unitary with the sleeve 148.

The first end portion 176 also has at least one prong 190 axiallyextending therefrom. More particularly, the at least one prong 190extends from an end surface 192 of the first end portion 176 and iscantilevered therefrom. The at least one prong 190 is preferablyintegrally formed and unitary with the sleeve 148.

The at least one prong 190 preferably has a square cross-section,although other cross-sections are permissible. Regardless of itscross-section, the at least one prong 190 has a complimentary shape tothe at least one slot 170.

In the preferred embodiment, there are two prongs 190. The two prongs190 are identical to one another, but need not be; they may be ofdifferent shapes and sizes. The two prongs 190 are depicted as beingapproximately 180 degrees apart from one another, but it is permissiblefor other degree separations between the prongs 190 to exist.

The second end portion 178 comprises a plurality of threads 194integrally formed and unitary with the sleeve 148. A nut may be engagedwith the threads 194 of the second end portion 178 and also with thethreads on a pinion shaft, or a retaining ring, to connect the nut andthe pinion shaft together, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Thepinion shaft is also therefore axially constrained to the inner race 146through the nut. A land area 196 separates the second end portion 178and the stop 188.

The first end portion 176 has a round shape that is complimentary to theround shape of the second inner surface 164 of the inner race 146.

A ring 198, such as a snap ring, is located in the boot sleeve groove180 and the inner race groove 168. The ring 198 is sized tosimultaneously extend into both the boot sleeve groove 180 and thegroove 168 of the inner race 146. The ring 198 prevents, or reduces,axial movement between the inner race 146 and the boot sleeve 148.

When the prongs 190 are installed in the slots 170, the prong 190 andslot 170 combination prevents relative rotation between the inner race146 and boot sleeve 148. More particularly, the walls of the slots 170abut the prongs 190 and prevent relative rotation of the sleeve 148 andrace 146.

A pinion shaft as shown in FIG. 1, may be located within a hollowinterior portion 200 of the boot sleeve 148. The pinion shaft receivesrotation from a source of rotational movement, such as a vehiclepowertrain.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the presentinvention has been described in what is considered to represent itspreferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the inventioncan be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated anddescribed without departing from its spirit or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inner race and boot sleeve combination,comprising: an inner race having an inner surface with an ellipticalcross section and an elliptical groove formed in said surface; a bootsleeve having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end portionand a second end portion, wherein said first end portion inner surfacehas an elliptical cross section complimentary to said inner raceelliptical cross section, said first end portion also having acircumferential groove in said outer surface; and a ring in said innerrace groove and said boot sleeve groove to axially fix said inner raceand said boot sleeve together.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein,said inner race has a first inner surface and a second inner surfacewhere said first inner surface has a smaller diameter than said secondinner surface.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said inner racegroove is located in said second inner surface.
 4. The combination ofclaim 1, wherein said boot sleeve has a hollow interior cavity.
 5. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said boot sleeve outer surface has astop in abutment with an end portion of said inner race.
 6. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said second end portion of said bootsleeve has a plurality of threads.
 7. The combination of claim 1,wherein said inner race elliptical inner surface is located over and indirect contact with the boot sleeve elliptical inner surface.